Dodgers rumors: Los Angeles unlikely to pursue high-end arm

The Los Angeles Dodgers are unlikely to make a big splash in the starting pitching market this offseason, as ESPN Los Angeles' Mark Saxon reports that the Dodgers are "unlikely to pursue anybody who would receive a qualifying offer from their current team and thus cost the Dodgers a draft pick." The Dodgers appear to be placing an emphasis on youth, so it makes sense that the team would be hesitant to give up a draft pick.

Saxon adds that the Dodgers are more likely to pursue a back-end starter, who can slot in behind Hyun-Jin Ryu. And with Los Angeles possibly looking to move its payroll below $200 million, a number four or five starter would certainly help to reach that goal much more than were they to go after a James Shields or Max Scherzer, who are both locks to receive a qualifying offer and seem to be in line for monster paydays.

Of course, the Dodgers could still go after someone like Jon Lester,  who is ineligible to receive a qualifying offer due to his midseason trade from Boston to Oakland. Lester figures to get a sizable contract, likely with nine digits, but he's the type of player that it may be worth breaking the bank for. Even if the Dodgers stay put in the rotation, their staff should still be among the best in baseball, as their top trio of Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, and Hyun-Jin Ryu is rivaled by few.